FAQs
The Great Falls Park District Number 1 was created to help with the needs identified in the Park Master Plan that was adopted by the City Commission at their November 15, 2016 meeting. Some of the needs identified in the Park Master Plan were deferred maintenance, staffing levels, as well as a new indoor combined recreation and aquatics facility.
On each agenda is an item called "Petitions and Communications." This item is designated for anyone in the audience who would like to address the Commission on any matter that is not on the agenda of the meeting and that is within the jurisdiction of the City Commission. Oftentimes citizens bring new ideas for ordinances and resolutions to the Commission during this portion of the meeting. If this occurs, the City Commission may direct the City Manager to work with staff to formalize the idea and prepare it for Commission consideration and possible action.
Fees are based on the valuation assigned to each individual project by the owner and/or contractor. If the valuation is deemed 'undervalued', the Building Division will use the International Code Council 'Building Valuation Data' (BVD). The BVD table provides the average construction costs per square foot, which can be used in determining permit fees for a jurisdiction. Commercial project valuation is based on the final bid or the BVD. Remodels are determined by contract price or the estimated value of material and labor.
A victim may sign an affidavit requesting that the charges be dismissed which is available from the City Prosecutor’s Office in Room 101 in the Civic Center. The affidavit must contain a detailed explanation of the reasons for the request. It is advised that any victim speak to Victim Witness Assistance Services prior to requesting that charges be dismissed. Any dismissal will be based on consideration of all relevant evidence and there is no guarantee that the charges will be dismissed simply because a request has been submitted.
No. A non-resident who is not in Great Falls for more than 60 days is not required to register their animal.
After you submit the initial registration form, you may start the registration process again and submit more numbers for the same address.
♦ Seaman
Cascade County Clerk of District Court, (406) 454-6780, located in the Cascade County Courthouse at 415 2nd Avenue North, Room 200, Great Falls, MT 59401.
The Councils meet once a month at various locations throughout the City. Please refer to the "OUR COUNCILS" page and check each Council for location, date, time and location of the meeting. Meetings are also posted on the Neighborhood Councils Meeting Calendar.
The water meter will not be replaced unless there are issues with the meter. The MXU is only a component in the meter box.
♦ Yes - pick your spot - after getting your license. For more information about hunting and fishing licenses see State of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for more information.
Criminal records must be requested through the State of Montana; call (406) 444-3625.
To find your council location, visit the interactive map. Enter your address into the search bar for the specific area view and click on the map to see the council number. The map is at the bottom of the “Our Councils” page.
Once a complete plan has been submitted and special issues have been addressed (i.e., variances, special reviews, subdivisions, etc.), the initial review takes:
Residential (single-family and duplex): 5-10 working days
Commercial: 30 business days
The City selected the location of the new Recreation Center based on several factors. These included, but were not limited to, size of property, availability, cost, building conditions, and ability for future expansion. The location was acceptable to both the City and MAFB.
The City Attorney's Office can assist victims and other witnesses with questions regarding procedures throughout the trial process, please call 455-8441 for questions. Please note that the City cannot represent individuals in obtaining an Order of Protection; thus victims should also speak with Victim Witness Assistance Services located at 401 Third Avenue North, Great Falls, Montana. Victim Witness will assist in the process of obtaining an Order of Protection and can answer any additional questions regarding the trial processes. The City Prosecution Staff will contact you before trial regarding matters of testimony and trial.
View the current Board and Commission openings. Board openings occur throughout the year. In order to receive an appointment, the City Commission needs to know you are interested. One of the ways to let them know is to download, complete and submit a "Citizen Interest Form" to the City Manager's office. You can apply for one board specifically and all the boards generally. All applications are kept on file for one year unless you ask staff to renew your application. There are also many volunteer opportunities with the City of Great Falls.
CodeRED is a service of Emergency Communications Network which takes security and privacy concerns very seriously. They will not sell, trade, lease or loan any data citizen supplied data to third parties.
No. A pet that is registered is required to either wear a collar and tag or have a microchip implant. However, it is always a good idea to have your pet wear a collar and tag that identifies his owner. Animal Control Officers may not be the ones who find your lost pet. If your pet is wearing a tag and collar bearing your name and contact information, your pet is going to be back home sooner.
Yes, the City targeted a solar-ready facility that utilizes low flow fixtures, LED lighting, high efficiency HVAC systems and increased insulation and glazing that are all aimed to reduce the operational expenses for the City. The facility will exceed Energy Code and utilize multiple advanced technologies that recapture normally wasted heat for the purpose of heating the facility, thus avoiding additional carbon footprint.
The City enlisted the expertise of an Energy Modeling consultant to help guide the design team towards employing the most energy conscience systems feasible, while still balancing the project budget. The City is also employing many LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principals and will strive to meet the State of Montana High Performance Building Standards even though these are not required to be followed.
If you have other questions or concerns, contact the Utility division at 406-727-8045.
Cascade County Clerk of District Court, (406) 454-6780, located in the Cascade County Courthouse at 415 2nd Avenue North, Room 200, Great Falls, MT 59401.
Some of the reasons a separate permit may be required are:
- By law, most electrical and plumbing permits can only be issued to licensed electricians and licensed plumbers.
- Certain permits are requested before the primary permit is ready (e.g., temporary use permits).
- Some projects are divided among different contractors, each with responsibility for only certain aspects of the job.
- Work in the right-of-way requires a licensed and bonded contractor.
- Certain permits are administered by different City departments.
Social Security Administration Office, (877) 583-4114, located at 2008 23rd Street South, Great Falls, MT 59401.
This is done through the mail, to the State of Montana, Motor Vehicle Division. P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430. You must enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a processing fee.
